Ministry of Health seeks shs1.5b for Lubowa hospital supervision

Kampala | The Minister of Health is seeking shs1.5 billion to help with the supervision of Lubowa Hospital.

Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, the health minister, told parliament’s health committee that the facility will be completed by the end of 2025.

The request and assurance were made by Dr. Aceng during the review of the Ministry’s budget framework paper for 2025–2026.

The minister admitted that, while the works were delayed, they have since resumed, with physical work at 45%.

She also stated that the work has reached a critical stage that necessitates constant monitoring and supervision.

For years, politicians opposed to the government have had mixed feelings about the Lubowa hospital.

These politicians and activists believe the government is using the facility to “swindle money”.

Once completed, the $397 million facility will be the most expensive hospital in the country.

Transparency International Global Health in August 2019, said: “For comparison, a local hospital built on similar terms cost $25m. The Lubowa hospital is costing approximately 16 times more than the other hospital.

“And with the likely upcoming issues, it is highly likely that the project will cost sustainably more.”